Microsoft teams up with Family Guy to sell Windows 7

Jake Widman
Thursday, 15 October 2009 02:15

IT Industry - Strategy

A variety show produced by the creator of the animated sitcom Family Guy, set to air November 8, will be shown without commercials but will feature Windows-7 oriented content within the program.

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane -- the voice of Peter, Stewie, and Brian the dog in the show -- and Alex Borstein -- voice of wife Lois -- appeared together on stage last year in a live show that mixed in Family Guy themes.

Now the show will be expanded and used to promote Windows 7. The show will have no commercial interruptions because the whole thing is sponsored by Microsoft.

MacFarlane is no stranger to such branded entertainment, having produced the "Cavalcade of Comedy" online series for Burger King.

As reported in Advertising Age, "Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show" will include live-action Family Guy-based musical numbers, animated features, and guest appearances by celebrities.

For the Windows part, AdAge quotes a Microsoft representative as saying, "You'll see us deeply integrated into the content. You'll hear a lot about how Windows 7 can help you simplify your PC.

"Think about metaphors and examples we might use, talking about how simple things are," she continued. "We'll be evoking the cast of Family Guy in some interesting ways that integrate the product messages."
 
One can only hope that the show features the Griffins hosting one of the much-mocked Windows 7 house parties. In fact, some commenters have speculated that the real raison d'être of the house party videos was to give MacFarlane an easy target.